Tributes have been paid to Welsh actor Dafydd Hywel, best known for his roles in Stella, Pobol y Cwm and Keeping Faith, who has died aged 77. Mr Hywel had become known for his roles in both Welsh and English language plays, films and television productions since the 1960s.
Originally from Garnant, near Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, his contribution to the acting profession in Wales has been described as "immeasurable". He played leading roles in several Welsh productions and became well known for his role as Jac Daniels in Pobol y Cwm, a character which appeared sporadically in the soap from 1976 to2004.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Hywel from broadcasters across Wales, friends, fellow actors and politicians. Plaid Cymru MS Cefin Campbell said: "Sad news about the passing of Dafydd Hywel. A dear friend, and one who gave so much to his local area and Wales. He will be sorely missed."
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In his English language credits, Mr Hywel was best known for his role as Glen Brennig in Stella alongside Ruth Jones and also appeared in The Crown and alongside Hollywood legends Samuel L Jackson and Dame Judi Dench in the 2016 Tim Burton film Miss Peregerine's Home for Peculiar Children.
He told BBC Radio Cymru's Beti a'i Pobol programme in 2004 that the role he most enjoyed playing was Mad Dan in Richard Burton's Christmas Story, reports BBC Wales. He was also chief executive of Cwmni Mega, which has produced Welsh language pantomimes since 1994.
John Pierce Jones, who had known Hywel since the 1970s, said: "We were great friends for years. Dafydd was an amazing actor and a man of great principles."
Llinos Griffin-Williams, S4C Chief Content Officer, said: "It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of the versatile actor Dafydd Hywel. His contribution to the world of drama in Wales is immeasurable. He was part of popular S4C productions acting in series such as Pobol y Cwm, Miri Mawr, Y Pris and Pen Talar and in films such as Rhosyn a Rhith, I Fro Breuddwydion and Rhag Pob Brad, to name a few. Our deepest condolences to Dafydd's family and friends, and we thank him for his special contribution."
Rhuanedd Richards, director of BBC Cymru Wales, said: "Dafydd Hywel's immense contribution to the world of drama in Wales, whether on television or in the theatre, is unmistakable.
Friend and fellow entertainer Dewi Pws said: "He was a very dear friend, he's done so much for Wales and the Welsh language. Many of us will remember him as Jac Daniels on Pobol y Cwm, one of the leading characters in the early years of the series.
"He also entertained audiences across Britain in films including the classic Off to Philadelphia in the Morning with Sian Phillips and popular series such as Keeping Faith/Un Bore Mercher, The Indian Doctor and Holby City. We thank him today for his contribution while sending our sincere condolences to his family and friends."
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